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Music and Lyrics

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sweet, predictable date movie. Teens OK.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Cora's music and image are described as "Buddhism in a thong," representing so many hyper-sexualized pop princesses; Sophie can't stand up for herself against Sloan, and Alex gives up to easily, but the overall message is to be true to yourself.
  • Violence:

    Alex, defending Sophie, gets into a shoving match with Sloan, who twists his arm backward and threatens to break it. He leaves with a bruised cheek.
  • Sex:

    Cora dances sexily in clothes that expose part of her butt and mimics sex sounds at the beginning of a song. She also appears on stage in a tiny bathing suit. Alex and Sophie have sex (off-screen -- they only kiss on screen). Sophie walks around in a sheet.
  • Language:

    Very little objectionable language -- just "bitch."
  • Consumerism:

    Some products are mentioned/advertised, including the CW network, Google, Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, Diet Coke, VH1, and Apple computers are used.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alex talks about having done drugs, and Sophie and Alex drink wine and then champagne in different situations -- but they don't drink to excess.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Music and Lyrics was written by Heather Boerner

Parents need to know that teen girls will be interested in seeing this cute Drew Barrymore vehicle. The good news is that you can probably let them: Overall, it offers very little to be concerned about. Alex and Sophie sleep together, but nothing salacious is shown on screen (they kiss a few times, but nothing graphic), and Alex gets into a fight with Sophie's ex. The language is mild, and there's not much drinking. The movie revolves around the question of whether it's better to do what others want or to stand up for what you believe in, which is a good one for teens to think about.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how people respond when they face obstacles to achieving their dreams. How can you get support and be true to yourself while still respecting your limits? Do you think Sophie and Alex handle their obstacles well? Families can also talk about the sexual images portrayed by a lot of young girls' favorite singers (as exemplified by Cora in the movie). Is Cora sexy? Is sexiness something that teen girls should be worried about? What messages do singers like Cora send to their fans?
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More on Music and Lyrics

What’s the Story?

Aging former pop star Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is content to recycle his '80s hits at state fairs, high school reunions, and amusement parks. But after even those venues start losing interest, he has only one last chance: Create a love song for singing sensation Cora Corman (Haley Bennett playing a Britney Spears-Christina Aguilera hybrid). The problem? Alex only writes music, not lyrics. So after an ill-begotten pairing with a doom-and-gloom lyricist, Alex sets his sights on his temporary houseplant minder, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), who spouts sweetly romantic lyrics with little urging. After briefly hesitating, Sophie agrees to help. But can they get the song done in time to get it to Cora? And will she like it?

Is It Any Good?

Good date movies are like good first dates: They're charming, reasonably interesting, inoffensive, and smart, and you get a little smooching at the end. Music and Lyrics is all of those things at different points -- but unlike a lot of dates, there are no surprises.

While there's a moment during a dinner with Sophie's sister, Rhonda (Kristen Johnston, who steals every scene), when Sophie and Alex banter flirtatiously and share what seems like a genuine kiss, for the most part, the two actors don't click. Blame the writers: Barrymore has little to do than play the ditzy free spirit and utter dreadful lines like, "That song was dinner!" But overall, Music and Lyrics is pleasant and is sure to please diehard romantic comedy fans. Everyone else should stay away -- unless your date is making you go.

Movie Details

Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Marc Lawrence
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: 02/14/2007, DVD release: 05/08/2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Awesome Movie Is Great For Teens and Adults!

    This is an excellent movies for teenagers and adults. Younger children might not understand the movie, or might influence them in a "bad" way.

  2. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great movie!!!! 13+

    one of the best movies ever! DREW BARRYMORE and HUGH GRANT were great. not to bad, Cora's dancing is not very good for younger audiences, and the kissing stuff is fine. AMAZING!!!

  3. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great movie!!!! 13+

    one of the best movies ever! DREW BARRYMORE and HUGH GRANT were great. not to bad, Cora's dancing is not very good for younger audiences, and the kissing stuff is fine. AMAZING!!!

  4. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great movie!!!! 13+

    one of the best movies ever! DREW BARRYMORE and HUGH GRANT were great. not to bad, Cora's dancing is not very good for younger audiences, and the kissing stuff is fine. AMAZING!!!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens

    One of my favorite romances. (: Really really good movie.

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 0.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Funny, but bad

    I love this movie and it is one of my favorites. However, there is a ton of sex. Cora, (think Hannah montana x-rated) "dirty" dances while scantily clad. The two main characters sleep together, too.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    really great

    amazing

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  11. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    A HUGE HIT!

    This movie is brilliant! With a hit cast, I do not think that there is anything to be worried about this movie, except for a couple of sexual reeferences which are funny. Overall, it's a great movie, a must go, and a great way to spend kissing for 100 minutes.

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Hugh Grant plays Hugh Grant in a classic romantic comedy!

    This is a fun romantic comedy - nothing more, nothing less...exactly whay you'd expect. Hugh Grant plays his normal, charming role, and women (like my wife) will love it.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    I loved it!

    The movie was great. It was funny and interesting. I think they did a great job making the music videos like the ones from the 80's. I think the movie sends a great message and it is probably good for kids 9+.

  14. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    A sweet, funny film

    My husband and I took our 12 year old daughter to see this film on Valentine's Day. My daughter and I had a great time, but I think my husband was a little bored. The film has some wonderfully funny scenes, and some delightful, winningly romantic songs (and one or two quite amusing ones). Hugh Grant is funny in a whole new way in this film - the opening credits are worth the price of admission. I would recommend this film for families with older tweens and teenagers. My daughter rates the film as "awesome".

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in District of Columbia
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

    this is what my family would consider a good bad movie. it was totally cheesy and yet one of the most fantastic movies EVER!!!!!!!

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Fun Movie

    My family and I really enjoyed this movie. It was predictable, but fun. There are no major concerns with this movie and my 12 year old daughter laughed a lot.

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    hilarious!

    Thsi was definately one of the funniest movies I ever saw, especailly during the credits where they were doing a pop up video and it said "Alex's hip appears to be fine." Great feel good movie you can watch with your family and friends.

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Awesome!

    Sexual content? That's good one. There's no sexual content at all. Just a little mild language. The movie had such a good story, making it awesome! And to be honest, I think it's all PG content okay for anyone 8+.

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Sweet, Funny, Charming!

    Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant have great chemistry...... I love the songs in this movie..... One of my favorite romantic comedies..

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    Good movie.

    I think you could take your kid to this movie if they dont repeat anything Sexual you could take your kid to this movie. Cora was the part that made Music and Lyrics PG-13 if it wasn't for her it would have been PG.

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